BRAD FRIEDEL has branded Fabian Barthez “ignorant” and “disrespectful” after the former Manchester United keeper said he was baffled the American was still Spurs’ No.1 despite the signing of Hugo Lloris.

Manager Andre Villas-Boas decided to stick with Friedel for last week’s win against Reading despite signing Lloris from Lyon on transfer deadline day.

He rested 41-year-old Friedel for Thursday’s Europa League game against Lazio and Frenchman Lloris impressed in the 0-0 draw.

But Villas-Boas is adamant it will take something special for him to cut short Friedel’s run of 308 consecutive Premier League games and he is almost certain to be in goals for the home game tomorrow against QPR.

Former France cap Barthez is clearly bemused at the 34-year-old AVB’s handling of the situation involving his country’s first-choice shot-stopper.

Barthez said: “Lloris is one of the five best goalkeepers in the world. He is faster than Friedel, he jumps higher and he is very strong mentally.

“What is happening now is incomprehensible, but I’m not concerned. He will become the centre-piece of the club. Hugo is a calm guy, a good worker. Tottenham will not let him stay on the bench for a long time.”

Friedel took offence, however, and yesterday launched a scathing attack on Barthez.

He tweeted: “Just saw barthez comments. I normally don’t comment on such c**p but when disrespected by someone I don’t respect I must. Barthez was ignorant, disrespectful and out of order to mention my name.”

QPR boss Mark Hughes will be without Anton Ferdinand, Fabio, Armand Traore and Stephane Mbia for the trip to Spurs.